Integration of biobanking technologies into protocols of large-scale prospective epidemiological studies

Aim . To demonstrate successful experience in the development and implementation of biobanking methods for epidemiological research in the Russian Federation (RF), as well as the application of biobanking technology and the participation of a biobank created on the basis of the national medical research center in conducting a large-scale epidemiological study. This aims to improve the efficiency and quality of its implementation, as well as to ensure the possibility of conducting prospective studies. Material and methods . The study included interviews with participants, instrumental measurements, biomaterial collection, laboratory diagnostics, and database creation. The protocols of the second and third stages of the study included biobanking regulations for collecting biological material from the regions of the RF and delivering it to the central biobank. Results . The establishment of the biobank in 2014 for the storage of biospecimens collected within the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of the Russian Federation (ESSE-RF) study enabled the planning and implementation of subsequent large-scale epidemiological projects. In accordance with the developed and validated biobanking algorithm, samples of whole blood, serum, and plasma from a representative sample of different Russian regions were collected in a centralized biobank. Information on biological samples, blood donors, and laboratory tests of all participants was combined into a single database. In total, the biobank currently stores samples and data from 79,516 participants from 41 regions of Russia. Conclusion . The inclusion of biobanking technology in the study protocol made it possible to conduct a large-scale epidemiological study in compliance with high quality standards. The resulting biomaterial collection is stored and actively used in prospective studies to analyze the dynamics of the prevalence of risk factors and non-communicable diseases, as well as to study the frequency of gene variants involved in various pathological processes.